Rob Pasch 8T2: Annual Donor since 2003

By Rachel Boutet

As the season of giving quickly approaches, Rob Pasch 8T2 reflects on why he makes annual donations to the Faculty of Dentistry.

“I think the years I spent at U of T were the best four years of my life,” says Pasch, who has been working as a dentist for nearly 40 years. “I give something each year because I want the deserving students to feel the same way I did and have the finances and equipment they need to thrive.”

Pasch started giving to the Faculty as part of an 8T2 class reunion – he is part of the reunion committee which plans a reunion every five years. Pasch and his classmates wanted to support a lab and his philanthropy grew from there. The class of 8T2 now has a legacy fund which has helped advance dentistry in many ways, including with the purchase of two new chair units. 

Pasch says although he gives philanthropically to other organizations, being a dentist is very important to him which is what inspires him to donate to the Faculty annually. 

“Being a dentist has allowed a lifestyle I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to enjoy,” he says. “So why not give back? Why not allow the education genesis that allowed that to happen? Why not support that for other people as well?”

Pasch says donating on an annual basis for the last many years has also made him feel more connected to the Faculty. Although he’s busy working full time and just finished his master’s in specialized orthodontics, he hopes to volunteer some of his time to the Faculty in the future. 

Noting it’s a personal choice to donate, Pasch says he gets a lot of personal satisfaction from supporting the school. 

“My hope is the money I’m able to give will help mitigate some of the expenses of deserving students,” he says. “I hope everyone who can, will donate as well. It’s been extremely valuable to me and my family. And to the people who are giving now – bless their hearts. It’s such a good thing.”

If you are interested in learning about how you can support the Faculty annually, please reach out to Julia Al Akaila, Development Officer at the Advancement Office at julia.alakaila@dentistry.utoronto.ca or at 416-864-8202. She will be pleased to speak with you.

Photo: Rob Pasch (provided by Rob Pasch)